Velvet Code, (Marlon Wurmitzer) is a Toronto, Canada International award-winning genderfluid Electronic Music DJ, producer, songwriter, radio show host and entrepreneur.� In 2022�Velvet�launched the�“You Do You Foundation”,�(https://youdoyoufoundation.org) to help underprivileged and financially compromised�2SLGBTQIA+�musicians utilize music on their road to wellness.� �
Today it is the foundation’s honor to announce the creation of the�“You Do You Foundation” Mentorship Program�supported by�TD Bank Group (TD).
The�six-month�Mentorship Program will provide�2SLGBTQIA+�(Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Two-Spirit, Intersex, Asexual) and QBIPOC (Queer Black, Indigenous, People of Color) music artists and musicians struggling with mental wellness, addiction and financial hardship with the skills and opportunities that are essential to advancing their careers.��
You Do You Foundation�will provide�six�emerging�2SLGBTQIA+/QBIPOC�musical artists who are struggling with their mental health, stable housing or financial hardship with professional development workshops in various aspects of the music industry, including music production, songwriting, grant writing and life skills to ensure their continued engagement and success in the music industry and in life.��
You Do You Foundation�believes assisting underprivileged and financially compromised young artists that fall in the�2SLGBTQIA+�/�QBIPOC�spectrum is a vital factor in expanding the voices and artistry in the music industry.
Velvet Code, an established producer and songwriter in the electronic and pop music scene has been called�”The Drag Hit Maker” because of their work with Drag Recording Artists around the world. In 2020�Velvet�was chosen to be a part of Lady Gaga’s Chromatica Billboard remix team, with notable remixes of Stupid Love and Sour Candy.�
That same year,�Velvet�launched their own label,�So Fierce Music�(https://www.sofiercemusic.com) currently with a talent roster of 40+ up and coming LGBTQIA+ artists including winners of Canada’s Drag Race Icesis Couture, Gisele Lullaby, and winner of Queen of the Universe Season 2, Taiga Brava.�Velvet�primary mission is to work with up-and-coming artists to help them grow and succeed at becoming successful recording artists. �
There are many barriers to establishing a successful musical career for young�2SLGBTQIA+�and�BIPOC�artists who lack financial resources, stable housing, access to contacts, networks, professional recording equipment and mentorship.
Velvet�has dedicated much time & support during his career to the existing problems of the�2SLGBTQIA+�and�QBIPOC�community.� There is an urgent need for professional development and wrap-around support for emerging�2SLGBTQIA+�musicians.
Each week, 75-100�2SLGBTQIA+ musicians apply for representation from So Fierce Music. The personal stories are heartbreaking. Precarious housing, discrimination & poverty, resulting in mental health challenges that keep them from creating and producing music.�
The�“You Do You Foundation” Mentorship Program�supported by�TD�will begin the process of addressing this extreme need and will provide�2SLGBTQIA+�artists with opportunities for emerging music artists to engage in professional development, understand the industry, and establish professional relationships with support from a team of industry leaders and partners.
“We have come a long way, and the journey continues, but it doesn’t have to be alone. As a queer artist, I intimately know the struggles of this community. I’m fortunate to have the ability to speak about human rights, to a large audience and I feel it is my duty to do so.” Velvet